|
This award recognizes the outstanding contribution to science
education made by Doug Clarke of Murdoch University. Three
medals will be awarded quadrennially for University Staff, a
Secondary School Teacher, and a Primary School Teacher.
Nominations should be sent to: The President, The Royal Society
of Western Australia, PO Box 7026, Karawara, WA 6152.
About Doug Clarke
Doug at Murdoch University 2008
Doug joined Murdoch University as a founding Member and Senior
Technician in the School of Mathematics and Physics (MPS). By
the end of 1975 Doug had been promoted to Professional Officer
to enable him to undertake independent research, demonstrate,
lecture, and co-supervise honours and postgraduate students.
During his time at Murdoch University Doug’s work knew no
boundaries. Doug was responsible for Occupational health and
Safety, helped to establish a large number of courses, and was
the major contributor to Laboratory Manuals, and lectured in
many of them.
Doug also
broadcast 30 sessions of chemistry education over the UWA radio
station with assistance from Irma Whitford and her staff,
presented the demonstration component for four Bayliss Youth
Lectures at the Octagon
Theatre UWA (receiving commendations
from Professor Don Watts and others), was involved in many
Chemistry research programmes including Jim Parker’s copper
process, Lithium battery, Bromine battery, the Eucalyptus
Project, and many others. All the while he also helped students
in many research projects in Physics and other University
Schools, and assisted staff and students in other schools to
purchase specialist instruments and provide training.
Having performed hundreds of chemistry magic shows at schools
and regularly appearing on television, Doug has inspired
thousands of school children, assisted thousands of
undergraduate and postgraduate students and made an incalculable
contribution to research and innovation.
However, on a day-to-day level, Doug will always be fondly
remembered by hundreds of staff and students as the “Mr Chemical
Fixit” for his problem solving abilities and his deep and broad
knowledge of all things chemical.
In 2008 Doug retired from his position as Professional Officer
in the Chemistry Department at Murdoch University.
|